Never settle for a small one, and demand a corner piece with a flower.

Tag Archives: Eleanor

So much for “be back shortly.” No wonder I never blog anymore. Better late than never? (What is this? All answers are HERE.)

July 6

7:57 p.m.

George: MOM! Oliver is teasing Eleanor. Every time she talks, he says “na na na.”

Me: I can’t arbitrate everything. I didn’t hear it, so I’m going to have to let that one go.

George: But it’s ANNOYING.

Me: Maybe – but you aren’t in charge of policing what other kids are doing. Eleanor didn’t complain to me – it’s not like this even involves you.

George: Well it kinda does. I kinda started it….

Me: [Bob Newhart Face]

July 14

10:01 a.m.

LTYM videos are now LIVE! Now I will start posting All of the Listen to Your Mother DC videos. Like I do every year, so expect 13 rapid fire status update from me starting now. (Then expect radio silence for the rest of the day as we’ll be starting our five week (yes – FIVE week) road trip as soon as I hit “post” on the last one!

10:03 a.m.

Video # 1: Tricia McCarthy Moran reading That’s What Mothers Do: Irish born and internationally raised, this mother reflects on how her own mother’s experience, moving far from family and security while raising five young children.

10:04 a.m.

Video # 2: Nicole Dash reading A Mami’s Touch: Watching her mother care for her dying grandmother, this mom reflects on her roles as “daughter” and “mother,” finding poignancy and beauty in continuing generations of women…mothers…daughters.

10:07 a.m.

Video # 3: Meredith Curs reading Clarity: It takes the joyous words of a seven year old to make this mom look at the friends she has made as a mother, how this fits into our very broken world, and what she might do to create change for the better. #blacklivesmatter

10:08 a.m.

Video # 4: Summer Smith reading The Elephant in the Room: Faced with the challenges of an unexpected medical condition, this mother comes to see the hopes and dreams we have for our unborn children as far less significant than the gift of helping them grow into their unique and perfectly imperfect selves.

10:12 a.m.

Video # 5: ME – stepping WAY out of my comfort zone by trying to be funny (seriously – the terror of hearing crickets is no joke) – not to mention the subject matter… Here I AM, reading Walking the Talk: This mother takes a humorous look at raising boys and how survival can easily take an “if you can’t beat them, join them” direction.

10:14 a.m.

Video # 6: Claire Bartick reading Baby A: When this mother is told that continuing with a high risk pregnancy would not only be dangerous for her, but surely end in loss, she makes a decision to continue loving and hoping no matter what the outcome.

10:15 a.m.

Video # 7: Vanessa Ford reading Listen to Your Child: Even the most liberal of parents can be thrown for a loop when their four year old son announces that he is a girl, “in my heart and in my brain.”

10:17 a.m.

Video # 8: Julie Mushtaq reading What Goes Around Comes Around: This mom grew up knowing that SHE would do things differently when SHE became a mother – particularly Halloween costumes.

10:19 a.m.

Video # 9: Rena Corey reading Hubris: A mother explains how she and her husband were once experienced parents of six, who ruled their household “with an iron hand”….until their daughter turned four and took mischief making to an entirely new level.

10:20 a.m.

Video # 10: Director, Stephanie Stearns Dulli reading The Strong Woman: This mother reflects on the fallout from the loss of her father to a violent crime when she was a baby – particularly the effect on her relationship with her mother.

10:22 a.m.

Video # 11: Dani Ndiaye reading Sacred Guardian: A mother reflects on how motherhood has challenged her to “be better and to do better.”

10:23 a.m.

Video # 12: Kathleen Gordon reading By Herself: Traveling with a mom who has led a fairly sheltered life takes an interesting turn for one woman, when a TV channel selection introduces topics not typically included in traditional talks about the birds and the bees…

10:24 a.m.

Finale video! Eleese Bohannon-Scott reading One Woman: This mother takes a look at how faith guides her daily life – especially all that comes along with her most important chosen career path: Motherhood.

July 14

9:27 p.m.

If this doesn’t scream “fun” I don’t know what does. The glass of wine helped. #travelwithkids#nightlifeinknoxville

July 15

4:36 p.m.

Arrived in Memphis! I said, “Let’s go to the Botanic Gardens!” #outvoted

July 16

8:05 p.m.

Eleanor: Mom. I think hippos would be good at Marco Polo.

Me: Really? Why?

Eleanor: Number one. If you said, “Marco” they probably wouldn’t answer. Number two. They can hold their breath for a really long time.

#BackFromTheZoo

July 16

9:17 a.m.

I thought it was such a good idea to give Eleanor a blog for our road trip and was annoyed with the boys for their polite HELL NO. Didn’t take into consideration that this would involve having my computer bogarted by a nine year old…

July 17

3:03 p.m.

At the Pink Palace today.

7:05 p.m.

Can’t visit Memphis without getting BBQ!

July 18

11:17 a.m.

Waiting for the Peabody Ducks.

11:28 a.m.

35 minute wait for ducks with 3 kids requires a Peabody mimosa.

12:06 p.m.

And finally – ducks.

12:28 p.m.

“Quilts” made of old license plates. City Hall Memphis.

12:38 p.m.

View from the pedestrian walkway. “Sorry folks – park’s closed. Moose outside should have told you.” Another “pedestrian” out for a walk just told us that Mud Island is closed on Mondays. How did I not see this online?! #sadtrombone

July 19

5:05 p.m.

Saw this. Pulled off highway into cow pastures, coasting as far as I could, praying for a gas station. And I FOUND ONE. Pulled in on fumes. #RoadTripFun

9:49 p.m.

It’s amazing how my mood can hinge on one of my children eating one half of a grilled cheese sandwich.

10:39 p.m.

All settled in for the night at our hotel and there was a knock at the door. I opened the door to find a guy knocking on the door of the room NEXT to us. When I came back and told the kids it was for the room next to us, Oliver asked, ” who was that?” I told him it was a guy, but he wasn’t knocking on our door. He then asked, “was he wearing a cloak?” Because, obviously.

July 20

8:22 a.m.

Told Oliver that we’re going to a [amateur for those of you who are picky about these things] rodeo today. So now he wants to know where his “cowboy outfit” is. I didn’t even bring the cowboy boots I own because ONEMORETHING to drag across the country. Hopefully there will be other lame tourists to camouflage us. #UrbanCowboyFail

You would never know that we just had a fight about how she never lets me take pictures of her (happily) and how I’m never in pictures with my children because I’m the only one in our family who takes pictures. It’s a guilt selfie. I’ll take it.

3:45 p.m.

“Mom! It’s better from up here!”

7:12 p.m.

Me: Here is the problem with you playing PokemonGo. You have to use MY phone.

George: But Mom! It’s not COMpetitive. And you like games that aren’t COMpetitive.

I don’t like ANY games. When are they going to figure it out? I’M NOT FUN.

July 21

9:35 a.m.

Heading out of Tulsa this morning, but dropped by to say hello to the Golden Driller. On to TX…

6:49 p.m.

This is George’s favorite car at Cadillac Ranch. Yes – it’s because of the Batman artwork. Obviously…

July 22

9:28 p.m.

My kids came to me claiming that they didn’t know how to use the microwave in our hotel lounge. So it was up to me to make the microwave popcorn. Now I know what the problem was. They took one look at that DIAL and it was like l put them in front of a ditto machine and asked them to make copies. #roadtrip2016 #howoldisthatmicrowave

July 23

6:04 p.m.

Yesterday: scenes from downtown Santa Fe.

6:05 p.m.

Yesterday: scenes from downtown Santa Fe. Georgia O’Keeffe Museum was my only HAVE TO. They did pretty well.

July 23

9:35 a.m.

Today’s excursion in New Mexico – Puye Cliff dwellings.

11:05 a.m.

Mesa view at Puye Cliff dwellings.

11:45 a.m.

We climbed down a big ass ladder.

7:30 p.m.

Saturday night and we in the spot (hotel lobby cafe).

July 24

6:23 p.m.

Greeting from Radiator Springs.

July 25

9:23 a.m.

All aboard the Grand Canyon Railway!

July 28

10:03 a.m.

Hey! We were there.

12:30 p.m.

Sedona views.

July 29

9:45 a.m.

The whole point of driving across the country (as far as my kids are concerned) is happening right now.

10:03 p.m.

Me: Why don’t you watch TV with Ma Sue?

George: I can’t. She’s watching 60 Seconds and that’s bad for me.

Ma Sue: Yeah – but it’s over fast.

July 30

3:15 p.m.

Driving on the highway with the windows down, singing Pat Benetar songs at the top of your lungs is good for the soul.

4:45 p.m.

Surf boards

July 31

2:33 p.m.

When you realize that you may as well give up the pretense of NOT eating a whole second doughnut because you aren’t even fooling yourself with those little pieces you keep ripping off of it.

August 1

5:33 p.m.

If you ever have a craving for Chop Suey, San Luis Obispo has you covered!

5:50 p.m.

Outside the Mission in San Luis Obispo – twins complied and looked at me. Oliver was distracted by the guy wading in a fountain behind me.

6:15 p.m.

Downtown San Luis Obispo

6:35 p.m.

Them.

7:05 p.m.

So this is the state of affairs with my oldest right now. Just in case you thought we were all hearts and rainbows all the time. Same amount of pouting, whining, bickering and reprimanding as there is at home. We just took our show on the road.

August 2

6:11 a.m.

First night in San Francisco!

August 3

10:20 a.m.

Chinatown, San Francisco.

11:25 a.m.

We walked UP to Lombard Street – opportunity for exercise or error in judgement? #legday

12:05 p.m.

Brief stop at Fisherman’s Wharf.

11:55 a.m.

Alcatraz view.

12:35 p.m.

Okay – one more “walking down the street” picture. This city has no bad angles!

12:55 p.m.

Noodle house lunch in #Chinatown.

3:27 p.m.

We are spending an inordinate amount of time in #Chinatown.

3:52 p.m.

If you are ever in San Francisco Chinatown, definitely drop by the Fortune Cookie Factory in Ross Alley (just check the sign on the shelf before you grab a bag).

5:35 p.m.

We were just on this. 45 minute wait in line. Packed like sardines. So cold I could barely feel my fingers. My children loved it. Totally worth it.

7:26 p.m.

Mandatory sea lion viewing at Pier 39.

August 5

2:04 p.m.

Out and about at the Running Y. Klamath Falls, Oregon

3:25 p.m.

Nothing to do? Find sand. Fun at the Running Y volleyball court.

Because of course they did.

August 6

11:16 a.m.

If you are ever in the Klamath Falls – the Klamath & Western Railroad train ride is adorable (30 min drive from KF). A relaxing 15 min for parents and even my “not small” kids really enjoyed it.

1:55 p.m.

Lake. Big lake. (Howard Prairie Lake to be exact.)

2:55 p.m.

Oregon trees don’t mess around. Skyscrapers.

August 7

6:33 p.m.

A rare (some would even say thought-to-be-extinct) night out with my husband. We had to travel across the country and leave our kids with grandparents, but we are having dinner and then seeing Hamlet at the Oregon Shakespeare theater in Ashland.

Update: Market was closed when we got there and Oliver got stung by a bee.

August 9

2:36 p.m.

View from Lake of the Woods. Last in in Klamath Falls.

2:37 p.m.

They were so pissed I didn’t bring their bathing suits…

2:50 p.m.

Okayfine put your feet in. Oliver is taking my instructions to not get his shorts wet very seriously.

8:28 p.m.

Goodnight Klamath Falls. See you next time.

August 11

5:11 p.m.

Town Square antlers in Jackson, WY

5:49 p.m.

Waiting for the Town Square shoot out.

6:29 p.m.

Ice ice baby.

August 12

7:18 a.m.

Waiting for our boat at Jackson Lake. I guess pants would have been a good idea… Brrrrrr.

8:01 a.m.

A good morning to skip rocks by the Grand Tetons.

12:52 p.m.

Cool geyser stuff at Yellowstone.

8:20 p.m.

Where the buffalo (bison) roam.

8:12 p.m.

Just before sunset.

August 13

11:09 p.m.

Best hotel pool ever. (Yes – I know how late it is. Don’t judge.)

August 14

1:10 p.m.

Mount Rushmore happening now!

1:39 p.m.

Obligatory group shot of the kids with minimal yelling from the photographer.

2:32 p.m.

Waiting for an instruction in horseback riding at Rockin R by Crazy Horse in Custer State Park George: “Shall we mount now?”

4:47 p.m.

So that just happened.

11:15 p.m.

Sunset rainbow in Deadwood, South Dakota.

11:30 p.m.

Post rain sunset in Deadwood.

August 15

8:26 p.m.

Falls Park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

8:35 p.m.

2016 holiday card?

August 17

9:33 a.m.

My children as we arrived at our hotel yesterday…

“The pool isn’t very good.”

“Yeah. No hot tub.”

We are becoming very worldly on this summer road trip…

August 18

10:45 a.m.

Fly at the top of the (Sears) Willis Tower in Chicago.

10:52 a.m.

My future Ferris with Sloane and Cam at the top of the (Sears) Willis Tower.

11:43 a.m.

After a lot of yelling (me) and scene making (them…and I guess me) The Bean.

12:15 p.m.

Love and marriage… Buckingham Fountain.

6:05 p.m.

Thought I got a cute picture of the kids with two (fake) Terracotta Warriors outside the exhibit. Didn’t realize that George was holding hands with one of them and looking all stranger danger. Do they WANT me to cry?

7:35 p.m.

Night train.

August 19

3:03 p.m.

I just said, “talk to me Goose,” to my GPS. So that’s where we currently are in the 5 week road trip…

6:17 p.m.

The bad news: Chris’ connection at JFK to come meet us in Cleveland (last stop on the road trip – visiting family) was cancelled.

Oh, the farce of me putting on a bathing suit to go to the pool… The day all of my kids learned how to swim was the day that “tan lines” became synonymous with “farmer’s tan.” Waving to you all, fully dressed from the shade!

August 29

7:48 p.m.

Blast from the past: Eleanor just said, “up your butt with a coconut.”

Holds up.

August 30

4:14 p.m.

View from below. Finally hung the Chinese parasol mobile from Chinatown San Francisco in Eleanor’s room.

August 31

11:37 a.m.

Prodigy in the house! We spent time with friends from France on Friday (sadly, not IN France) and now Oliver claims that he can speak French. He proved this by saying bonjour, merci and BON VOYAGE! as we were leaving. Then this morning when I offered him a Pillsbury “crescent roll”, he informed me that, “actually, it’s a croissant.”

That said – I also just caught him trying to inflate himself with the bicycle pump…

3:38 p.m.

Heading out for a play date with friends and decided to walk…

George: Mom – I know a faster way to get there.

Me: Okay!

George: But you have to climb over a fence.

Me: I’ll meet you there.

Next up: September-December (oh yeah – knocking it all out in one post).

Was April really the LAST month I covered for TCBG? Whoah – a lot has happened since then… I drove around the country with my kids for five weeks! But first, let’s start with May through June… (What is this? All answers are HERE.)

May 7

12:53 p.m.

Sitting at a Dunkin Donuts while Oliver is at an appointment, I decided that Mother’s Day is starting early…with TWO French crullers. #MothersDayCaloriesDontCount

May 11

8:30 p.m.

For the first time ever (in the 9 years since we’ve had children in the public school system), Chris signed paperwork for a field trip. Eleanor was going to hand it to me, but he was standing there and told her he would handle it. She also handed him her daily homework completion sheet to sign. He asked her if she had completed her homework yet and she said, “not all of it.” He asked, “why would I sign this now if you haven’t completed it yet?” Eleanor and I looked at each other, then looked at Chris. And I said, “you know nothing Jon Snow.” #noob

May 13

8:04 p.m.

“You know I need to mentally prepare myself for socializing.”

-Things I say to my extroverted friends.

May 14

9:02 p.m.

Sometimes children beg you to take their picture when they’re dressed like horses and you’re talking to your friend and all “ugh…okay, fine.” And 15 years later it’s like the best decision you ever made. Projecting a bit…but I’m pretty sure that’s how it’s going to go down.

May 18

6:52 p.m.

If I had a family food blog, it would be called “Spaghetti Again”. Why does dinner have to be a thing…

7:09 p.m.

I’m pretty sure I learned how to be a grownup by watching Thirtysomething in high school. Little did I know that yes, it would be just that boring.

May 24

7:28 p.m.

This evening at the twins’ third grade violin concert, the violin teacher announced that she likes to keep things “short and sweet.” So I’ve basically met my school concert soulmate. (No picture of Eleanor since her class was waaaay in the back.)

May 25

9:06 a.m.

George: That dog is so cute. I wish I could see what he looked like when he was a puppy. Like right after he came out of his mother’s butt.

Me: He didn’t come out of his mother’s butt. I explained how birth works…

George: Oh yeah! Only cats do that.

We may need to revisit that birds & bees discussion…

May 25

10:42 p.m.

Watching a commercial on Hulu…

Me: I think that’s Lane from Gilmore Girls.

Chris: Hey – did you know they’re supposed to be doing a remake of that show?

No caption necessary.

May 30

10:20 a.m.

Took the boys to get haircuts. So obviously.

June 2

5:37 p.m.

The age old question… “Mom! Search it up!”

June 3

4:44 p.m.

Me: Oliver – can you turn that down please?

Oliver: What?

Me: I asked if you could turn the sound down on your tablet.

Oliver: (no response)

Me: OLIVER! Can you please turn that down?!

Oliver: What are you saying? I can’t hear you.

Me: [Bob Newhart face]

6:20 p.m.

Eleanor is practicing her recorder songs (from sheet music she got at school) including this gem. And if you are wondering – no, it is not recognizable.

Oliver’s commentary: “Can we have some quiet time with no whistling please.”

9:12 p.m.

I’m not entirely sure what’s going on here…but it seems to involve a dump truck full of Hot Wheels cars, Minecraft videos and wearing my white circle scarf like a tube top. Bedtime!

June 8

1:50 p.m.

The bad news: I lost my drivers license and just spent 2 hours and $20 at the DMV getting a new one.

The good news: It seems VA is now allowing you to smile in your picture again, so I will no longer look like a serial killer on my primary ID.

Bonus news: For the first time ever, I listed the weight that I am and not the weight I think I should be. Because I’m 44 years old and no one cares and this is who I am dammit! *throws hat in the air – burns bra*

June 9

11:38 a.m.

I have a million things I should be doing right now (that’s right – ONE MILLION). But first, I think it’s very important that I eat all of the leftover Chinese food in my refrigerator.

June 11

10:35 a.m.

Eleanor: Mom, can I have some juice?

Me: I’m kind of busy honey, you can get that yourself.

Visiting 5 Year Old: Make that 2!

Me: How about “Eleanor – could you please get me some juice too?”

Visiting 5 Year Old: Make that 3!

She’s got my back.

June 12

1:24 p.m.

Before George’s soccer game today…

Chris: Hey – I want you to meet [woman’s name]. Look for her at the game – she’s blond…tall…thin…really pretty….

Me: You’re going to have to give me more incentive than that.

(He should have lead with the fact that her son is on George’s team and they want a play date.)

9:04 p.m.

Every Sunday evening I have to explain to my kids that yes, they DO have to go to bed on time because they have school the next morning and need a good night’s sleep. Little do they know it’s really because Game of Thrones is on at 9:00.

June 16

3:53 p.m.

I now know why yoga pants were invented. Here’s a hint: try doing down dog in shorts. Then look at your knees. Gravity is not kind to the aging body… #movingtomars

5:38 p.m.

Just as we pulled up to the pool, What a Feeling came on the radio. My kids then exchanged “dodged a bullet” looks because SINGING! There may be an a capella performance on the way home… #CloseMyEyesIAmRhythm

7:07 p.m.

I’m the kind of mom who buys educational games to play with her children. And then never opens them because ohmygod I hate games.

June 23

1:24 p.m.

I love it when teachers really know their students and recognize their unique strengths like this. Also – nailed it.

1:50 p.m.

I am the worst when it comes to volunteering in my kids’ classrooms and chaperoning field trips (combo of not wanting to lose time I can be working in a quiet house and not wanting to be out in the world socializing any more than strictly required). BUT I do come in for the end of year class parties and drive them home instead of making them hang around to ride the bus while I enjoy ONE LAST HOUR to myself.

George was the first to tell me he was ready to go, and I waited by the door as he gathered his things. I whispered that he should say goodbye (meaning to his teacher). So obviously, he yelled into the room, “BYE EVERYBODY! HAVE A GREAT YEAR!” (not just a great summer – because really – why stop at Labor Day?) After a few called “bye” back, one little boy came over and jokingly hugged him saying, “George! I’m gonna miss you!” So of course, another kid “brought it in” on the other side. Then another, then another…and suddenly, George was engulfed in a Bad News Bears group hug of screaming nine year olds, and pumping his fist in the air, yelling “HAVE A GREAT YEAR! HAVE A GREAT YEAR!” It was epic.

George’s take on this: “they’re gonna miss me because they love me SO MUCH.” My take: any excuse to scream. Either way – I wish I got it on video.

5:15 p.m.

If some one tried to offer me a frozen piece of cheese I would think they were crazy. But the cheese on that frozen pizza waiting to go in the oven? Whole different ballgame.

10:57 p.m.

George: So this is what I believe. Before you’re born, you get to pick who your mom will be.

Me: And you picked me?!

George: Yes.

Me: Well thank you.

George: Yeah – and if you just want a random, you spin the roulette wheel.

-George on what lies beyond the veil…

June 25

8:48 p.m.

Sometimes you just have to stay in the car to hear the rest of Thunder Road. #cuesaxophone

June 27

9:04 a.m.

George: Mom – you know how that one time in Sponge Bob, he said “don’t drop the soap?”

Me: Uh….yeah?

George: Well what does that mean?

Me: Um… It’s about prison…how people there can be dangerous…you don’t want to turn your back on anyone because you can’t see them coming…. Like if you drop the soap and bend down to get it, they could jump you.

Epic fail on cross country skiing today. We drove almost 3 hours to WV and 20 minutes into the trail, we had to admit defeat. It was like a sheet of ice – terrible for kids learning how (not to mention their mom who was a novice the last time she skied over 10 years ago). Even Chris who loves it, fell on an easy hill. I actually spent an inordinate amount of time lying next to Oliver in the snow trying to teach him how to get up without letting his skis slide forward. On the upside, think I could now easily teach an advanced “getting up clinic.”

The rest was 100% damage control. George believes us that it will be better when there is more snow on the ground. Eleanor manages an unenthusiastic “skeptical.” Oliver thinks we’re full of it.

I took this picture right after we gave up, jokingly telling everyone to smile and say, “we love skiing!” Oliver refused to play and his face pretty much sums up the day.

‪#‎OneMoreRunNOT‬

7:40 p.m.

George: So Dad – Spanish is written in English. It just means different things.

Me: Yes – Spanish and English are written with the same alphabet.

I speak fluent George.

February 11

6:18 p.m.

Oliver is working on valentines for his class, and every time he looks up the next name on the list it goes something like this…

“Okay…’Christopher’…hey! I know him!”

Every single time.

For Oliver, life is one long string of delightful surprises.

February 13

8:39 a.m.

8:30 a.m., nowhere to go and it’s freezing outside…

Me: Why are you putting on your coat?

Oliver: So I can be a mysterious figure.

Me: A mysterious figure?

Oliver: With gloves.

Well, obviously with gloves…

February 14

10:46 p.m.

Alex Tudor: I’m starting to notice lines on my forehead.

Me: I don’t see them.

Alex: Really?

Me: No – but this is when you start to get “fine lines”. I mean, before the they get really deep and obvious.

Eleanor: Yeah – like Mom’s.

And she’s not even being a smart ass! Trying really hard not to feel like an old hag… Also – Happy Valentine’s Day!

February 17

7:14 p.m.

Chris just sent me this picture. Takeaways:

1. If Chris stays home from work and I am out for the day, the bed will never be made.

2. Alice really knows how to make herself comfortable in an unmade bed.

What a gorgeous day to get out and vote! Since the kids were home, Diane Cooper Gould and I took turns watching them outside. I had serious deja vu watching them play “throw the shoe” and realized that they did the same thing last time we voted. Also realized that I never actually asked them if they were throwing one of THEIR OWN shoes….and that they would make excellent child settlers out on the prairie. Who needs electronics when you can play catch with shoes or pig bladders or whatever.

March 4

5:58 p.m.

Friday happy hour at Diane Cooper Gould’s house and we (okay – Cathy Trocchia and I) just had a very animated (and completely serious) 20 minute discussion about vacuum cleaners. ‪#‎ThisIsMiddleAge‬ ‪#‎RetractableCords4Ever‬

March 7

8:25 a.m.

Look what I just found in George’s backpack….

How was he not “respecting each other and our teachers” and “controlling our bodies and our voices”?

“Slideing around the floor.”

What are some things he plans to do to make sure he continues to follow the “5 school rules”?

“Stop slide across the floor.”

My takeaway: how the hell does he know how to spell across?? It took me 10 years and auto-correct to master that particular C and S combination. Oh – and I’ll believe it when I see it.

My kind of party. And yes – it actually WAS a cat’s birthday party. Better yet? It wasn’t THAT cat’s birthday. It was a joint party for two other cats. Suburban night life is no joke. There has to be an Awkward Family Photos card in there…‪#‎HappyBirthdaytoSpike‬‪#‎HappyBirthdaytoHector‬

March 15

6:53 p.m.

George is in the corner watching YouTube videos…

George: “Kids react to Clash of Clans”??

Me: Is that an inappropriate video?

George: No Mom. It’s KIDS watching Clash of Clans. Not teenagers or adults or elders.

This put my mind at ease, as you know how inappropriate those “elders” can be…

March 17

12:49 p.m.

Finished watching the third season of House of Cards earlier this week, and haven’t been able to get the theme music out of my head. On the upside, it does add an element of drama to grocery shopping…

March 19

8:18 p.m.

If I had to write a book about my life right now, it would be titled, “I Don’t Love My New Vacuum – And Other First World Problems”.

March 20

11:10 a.m.

I really want to put away the snow pants, but the minute I do, we’ll get 3 feet of snow. ‪#‎NotTemptingFate

March 21

8:29 a.m.

Discussion while Eleanor and our five year old neighbor, Mary are making Easter cards…

Mary: When my brother was in my mother’s tummy, I wasn’t even invented yet.

Eleanor: Well, the name Mary was invented.

Mary: Yes! By the mother of God!

Me: That’s right! [Because in my house anything “cute” that comes out of a child’s mouth is automatically deemed true.]

Mary: Yeah – and a long time ago I used to talk to God every night.

Me: That’s nice.

Mary: Because I love him!

Me: Awwww.

Mary: Because he made cotton candy!

Not that this dialog is at all related our family’s heathen idolatry practice of worshiping chocolate bunnies….or wait – maybe it is…

9:32 a.m.

I’m trying to get some work done, but Mary (the five year old hanging out at my house) is bored. Eleanor is no help as she is now doing something very important on an electronic device…

Mary: I have nothing to do!

Me: [glancing up from the computer] Why don’t you practice sliding down the stairs on your tummy?

Eleanor: She’s already perfected that.

Mary: The rug burns on my stomach hurt.

Clearly, I missed my calling as a daycare service provider…

March 22

7:46 p.m.

George: Mom – can I ask you a question?

Me: Sure.

George: …No – wait. I’ll just tell you the answer.

I’m basically superfluous to our conversations.

March 26

1:13 p.m.

“Well – I’m not going to play into the drama…”

Things I say to nine year olds when I just don’t have the energy to come up with something age appropriate.

4:37 p.m.

Uncle Steve’s barn apartment/painting studio. AKA: one of the many living spaces I’m NOT responsible for cleaning this weekend. I love being a house guest…

7:46 p.m.

My boys.

8:42 p.m.

Uncle Steve gave the twins a painting lesson, but George had more answers than questions…

“French people use these.”

March 27

12:19 p.m.

Today after an Easter egg hunt in Uncle Steve’s barn apartment/painting studio I was looking at the art with George. I told him that I thought these two paintings (that happen to be in gold frames) are my favorites. So immediately, he exclaimed, “OH! Because they’re framed in GOLD.”

I started to reply, “well no – but now that you mention it…the frames do kind of confine them in a way that directs your focus to…” And he was already standing next to another painting, saying, “yeah – THIS baby needs a gold frame.”

George has this whole art thing figured out…‪#‎ItNeedsSomeBowsOrSomethin‬‘

1:56 p.m.

It’s after 1:00 on Easter and my boys are still in sweat pants. I assume there will be bribes/threats happening 10 minutes before company is due to arrive… Even then, Oliver will do something weird like insist on buttoning his polo shirt all the way up and George will still have THAT HAIR he has… It’s not easy being a girly, twirly-party-dress-wearing little girl at heart in this family.

3:52 p.m.

First fancy Easter party in about 11 years!

March 29

5:50 p.m.

Feeling very smug about not only remembering to take pictures this weekend, but actually handing the camera to someone else so I could be in a couple as well!

Did the Hood girls represent at the Fancy Easter Party?‪ #OHITHINKSO‬

March 30

9:01 p.m.

Last week we were at some good friends’ house for their daughter’s birthday. There was ice cream cake and Oliver’s only complaint was that I wouldn’t let him have a second piece.

Eleanor was supposed to spend the night, but after a long day in DC, decided she wasn’t up to it. Her friend (also exhausted after a long day in DC) was crushed and needed some consoling. Oliver happened to be in the room where her mom brought her to talk. He asked what was wrong and the mom said, “well things aren’t turning out as she expected and she’s feeling a little sad.” My son said, “me too! I didn’t get another piece of cake.” From the other room I could hear low murmurs, and while the tears seemed to be slowing down, they hadn’t actually stopped. Then, during quiet pause, I heard Oliver offer some words of comfort: “well…I hope you get a pinata.”

If there are two things that boy loves on a birthday, it’s ice cream cake and a pinata. So that’s just what we did today after school for HIS ELEVENTH (someone pass the smelling salts) birthday. The kids on our block came over, and as soon as everyone scraped the last of the Carvel chocolate cookie crumbs from their plates, we pulled out the pinata.

Tonight after dinner, I let Oliver have a second piece of cake and decided that if I ever write a self help book, it will be titled, “I Hope You Get a Pinata.”

Happy birthday to my very first baby!

April 3

3:12 p.m.

This may be premature… But I’m starting to think that I MIGHT not win the 1 million dollars… #sadtrombone

7:50 p.m.

This evening I got distracted by Facebook and burned the roast. To be categorized under “If social media existed in 1950’s sitcoms.”

April 5

7:46 a.m.

Some days, it’s hard to wake up. Other days, it’s hard to rise from the dead. Today would be the latter. No wonder zombies are so slow.

April 7

12:00 p.m.

Women my age look at pictures of ourselves from 25 years ago and say, “Oh my god! Look at how young I was! I was so pretty! Why did I think I was fat? I only wish I had that skin now…” Then other people look at those same pictures of us and say, “Oh my god! Look at your eyebrows!”

It’s all about the lens.

7:02 p.m.

Earlier today…

5 year old neighbor: Are you allergic to flowers?

Me: No. Why?

5 year old neighbor: [hands me a dandelion]

That kid says “your house smells bad,” to me on the regular…but she sure can be sweet sometimes.

8:00 p.m.

Eleanor is working on her math homework and it seems to involve figuring out patterns of numbers and placing them in boxes (it’s called “Magic Squares”)…

Chris: Hey that’s Sudoku.

Me: It is?

Chris: Yeah.

Me: So Sudoku is just math?

Chris: Yes.

Me: No wonder I never wanted to try Sudoku.

I fully embrace my gender stereotype…

April 13

10:38 a.m.

When something bad is about to happen in a book or movie you love, and every single time, you irrationally hope it won’t happen this time.

April 17

5:13 p.m.

Chris coaches George’s soccer team and they lost an important game today…

Eleanor: How was the game?

Chris: We lost.

Eleanor: What was the score?

Chris: 3:0

Eleanor: Eh. Pretty close.

THAT’S MY GIRL!

6:52 p.m.

“So Mom…if I wasn’t in this body…then someone else would be controlling this body.”

-Existential conversations with George

9:02 p.m.

Earlier when the kids were brushing their teeth, I overheard Eleanor say, “remember to floss, boys.”

2 bottles of wine, a bag of Smart Food popcorn, a reusable water bottle (hidden) and a package of straws. In case you wanted to know what happens when I go shopping without a list…

April 22

8:46 a.m.

Since we’re all sharing Prince stories… I was once lucky enough to score two tickets to the Purple Rain concert. Meaning MY FATHER who worked in advertising and had radio station clients was able to score two tickets to the Purple Rain concert. Meaning, HE had to take me – a seventh grader at the time – to the Purple Rain concert. I’m sure he too has fond memories of the concert…especially that part where Sheila E., who opened for Prince pulled a man from the audience and simulated oral sex on him while singing Next Time Wipe the Lipstick Off Your Collar.‪#‎MagicalChildhoodMemories‬

April 26

7:47 a.m.

Eleanor: Mom – do you think when I grow up, I’ll have E.T. hands like you?

It may be time to dial back the self deprecatory humor around my kids…

April 28

10:58 p.m.

Someday when it’s not relevant anymore, I will master emojis. But for now I just think, “why so much produce?” Is there really ever a text that calls for corn?

Running a little late with the TCBG…like a month late! At any rate, here is December/January! (What is this? All answers are HERE.)

December 1

6:17 p.m.

George: Mom – did you know that you can eat cardboard?

Me: What? No you can’t. Never eat cardboard.

George: No – Mom – it’s edible.

Me: Who told you that?

George: Mom! It really is – you can eat it. It’s made of fat.

Me: First of all – you can eat anything if you put it in your mouth and swallow it. But eating cardboard would probably make you very sick. Second – it’s not made of fat (which is totally gross as far as eating goes anyway). Cardboard is made of the same stuff as paper.

George: So you can eat it – but it will make you sick. BUT you CAN’T eat a raccoon.

Me: Well – technically, I guess you can if you cook it…

George: But you DEFINITELY can’t eat a live raccoon.

So glad we cleared this up.

December 2

9:16 p.m.

“So I believe in Santa and all that…but I don’t believe thw part about kids having to be good to get presents. I think that’s something parents made up.”

Some families treat a power outage as an opportunity to disconnect from electronics and social media and do fun group activities like playing board games by candlelight. My family panics and considers eating each other. So I guess we’re somewhat prepared for the zombie apocalypse…

December 12

10:13 a.m.

Power is out again – so obviously it’s time to play with the lantern. ‪#‎HeIsET

December 14

8:24 p.m.

Epic ‪#‎vantler‬ fail. The twins and I bought them while Oliver was at his swim lesson and had them all set up for the ride home. While in the car, I noticed a whistling noise (they attach to the car windows) and pressed the button to make sure our front windows were as “up” as they could get. But I DIDN’T make them go up. I somehow made them GO DOWN [because I am a giant dork with no sense of direction, even when it comes to automatic windows]. At this moment our vantlers are lying in the road somewhere on Fairfax County Parkway. So of course I had to promise to buy a new set tomorrow. If you are at the Sterling Party City and see a white car with a big red Rudolf nose and no antlers, make sure to say hello.

“I don’t want to jinx us, but this is the easiest tree we’ve ever had…no branch sawing…no hours of trying to make it look straight in the stand…” Then Chris said, “SHUT UP!”

But no – I could not be quiet in my own head. I marveled over how letting the kids help this year was far less painful than I expected (yes – they are 9-10 years old and I have never let them help before). I mean – it was a little panic inducing to see them putting the nicest, most breakable ornaments at the bottom and placing the heaviest ornaments at the veeeeery tippy tip of a branch. But I was able to stay on top of damage control and was so focused on maintaining some semblance of order that it seemed to take a lot less time than it usually does.

And it’s really a PERFECT tree. I was about to post about it earlier this morning, but then I heard, “um mom – look at the tree…” Of course, half the lights had blown out. Of course. Because of my Christmas tree hubris. Luckily, the kids had to leave for school shortly after that, so I only had to do deep breathing exercises for 15-20 minutes while they whirled around me in the usual morning frenzy. I found the problem strand and replaced it (after removing all of the ornaments in that section of the tree because I wrap the shit out of those branches!)

The world can now un-pause since our tree is back to it’s original glory. In fact – it’s even better! Here is a picture. Expect me to post about 500 more over the next week. Also – if you are into anthologies, I have an essay about my Christmas tree travails in Mom for the Holidays. Check it out if you like humorous stories about grinchy tree-hoarding mothers who are paid back big time with pretty much anything that could possibly go wrong with a Christmas tree…except fire. We’ve never experienced fire. Of course, now that I’ve said it…

December 18

2:20 p.m.

Two things people in Safeway heard me say to my three kids plus two friends:

“No wrestling in the wine aisle!”

“Why does everything have to be a penis?”

Then in response to the cashier who asked if they are all mine:

“Just this one and the two on the floor.”

We’re like a walking birth control ad.

December 21

9:38 a.m.

“Wait! So you don’t have to kiss ABOVE the mistletoe…”

-George Hood, always looking for loopholes

3:37 p.m.

I may actually be DONE with any and all holiday shopping. This is unprecedented. It’s also probably a cruel illusion that will be shattered December 24th when I realize I forgot something… In the meantime – happy holidays everyone!

December 24

1:17 p.m.

If being controlling about about how presents are placed under the tree and hiding the messy looking ones in the back is wrong…I don’t want to be right.

December 25

8:05 a.m.

Aging perk: Christmas is no longer about wanting things and looking for MY presents under the tree. It’s about making magic for my family. And eating my feelings.

Merry Christmas!

8:14 a.m.

George: Mom – what if you got a baby for Christmas?

Me: I don’t think it works that way, George. You have to be pregnant for a while first.

George: Okay – what if you were, but then during the night, Santa gave you surgery?

I had two errands to run this morning: bring a silk blouse to the dry cleaner and exchange a defective talking Yoda head at Target. Ran into the dry cleaner first, but when when I tried to put my silk blouse on the counter, I found I was holding a talking Yoda head. ‪#‎ChristmasHangover‬

12:57 p.m.

Just figured out how to get the ringer to work on this dinosaur for my Dad. Am genius.

December 30

10:04 p.m.

If the tree wasn’t a complete fire hazard by January 1…HELLSYEAH!

December 31

10:26 a.m.

For dogs, every day is Sunday.

10:20 p.m.

“Stop running!”
“Stop bumping into each other!”
“Stop pretending to be ‘fancy waiters’!”

-Things I yell at my sons when they carry plates of cookies to a neighborhood New Year’s party.

January 2

11:23 a.m.

Bye holiday season. Sniff sniff.

January 3

3:51 p.m.

Happy birthday to my amazing Mom! If there were a pageant for “Prettiest Pilgrim,” the 1972 crown surely would have been hers…

January 5

7:12 p.m.

“Mom! I made up a constellation. It’s a horse – but the feet are missing. I also made up a little face.”

-George Hood, stargazing

January 10

8:27 a.m.

“Hey! Let’s do human dominoes!”

-Things I overhear five minutes before bus pick up on Monday mornings…

January 11

8:53 p.m.

Being on social media means that you might be late for a doctor’s appointment because your friend tagged you in a post involving Liam Neeson and you had to google him to double check how old he was in Rob Roy so you could reply…or something.

January 13

7:20 p.m.

I’m not completely sure, but I think my laptop battery just died. OR my laptop just died. Either way – it’s my only home computer, so I guess work won’t be possible this evening [opens bottle of wine…]

January 14

6:10 p.m.

Leaving in three minutes for the Twins’ third grade strings concert. Oliver keeps calling it “the violin contest.” I keep picturing The Devil Went Down to Georgia.

If only…

January 21

3:49 p.m.

Some people get excited about big snow storms with school cancellations and fun filled days of sledding and baking cookies with their kids. I am not one of those people.

7:49 p.m.

Okay – I am coming to terms with this whole being buried under snow thing – but now I’m hearing about expected power outages. Seriously considering packing up the kids and checking into a hotel. I am not cut out for apocalyptic conditions…forget about zombies – once the power is gone, I’m out.

January 22

2:44 p.m.

Experiencing nostalgia for last weekend when not only were we not expecting to be trapped in our house for days, we actually skipped up to NJ to spend the long weekend with Aunt Jan. Liberty Science Center on Sunday and then NYC on Monday (American Museum of Natural History and then Central Park rocks – of course). Helps me not feel guilty for the last two days of depressive sloth. I’m now resigned to the idea of a snow storm – but for the next 48 hours I will be somewhat preoccupied, bending the universe to my will that we NOT LOSE POWER. As I have mentioned a time or 20, I’m not made for apocalyptic living. But back to my fond memories of last weekend…

Liberty Science Center

Wow! Fish! So exciting – almost like we’re at Petco or something!

This turtle was 100 times better at posing for photos than my children.

Rock walls are hard. For me. Not so much for Eleanor.

“Oliver – take off your hood!” “George – put on your coat!” “Eleanor – stop acting so grumpy!” No one ever listens to me…but this one was pretty cute. (In Eleanor’s defense – she claimed to have a cracker in her mouth and couldn’t smile. I’ll take it.)

MORE dinosaurs! Travel tip: when you go to a museum, specifically to see dinosaur bones, make sure to see everything else first so that by the time you get to the bones, everyone is over it and wants to leave.

No really, Mom – can we leave now?
Also – I think George is giving me the finger.

Central Park

We found the bridge where the pigeon lady lived in Home Alone 2! It doesn’t get any more glamorous than this. #NYCBaby

Pigeon lady bridge take 2.

Race to the rocks! George got there first (top of the world, Ma!)

There is no such thing as too many rocks to climb…

She NEVER poses for me anymore (willingly)! Central Park bring out the best in us I guess. Also – where the f*#k are we? #intothewoods

Right before we realized we were on the wrong side of Central Park. #NoInternalGPS .

It’s getting darker (and colder) and it’s really time to leave the park. It will probably be a 20 minute walk across…so obviously time to wrestle and give piggy back rides.

January 23

10:57 a.m.

Thigh high snow and it’s not stopping until tonight…

11:19 a.m.

First thing you do when you go outside to play in the snow right? Epilogue: two seconds later, the snow plow arrived and sent them scrambling for the sidewalk (or where the sidewalk usually is).

11:24 a.m.

Alice waded out, but decided this was a bit beyond her frolicking abilities. ‪#‎NoIditarodDreamsForThisMutt‬

4:44 p.m.

“Before you walk one step further, shake the snow off of your coat, pants and head!” ‪#‎AbominableSnowOliver‬

January 29

10:51 a.m.

Oliver: Mom – I need some explosive materials.

Me: No more YouTube

Also – I really need them to go back to school…

January 30

8:08 p.m.

George: Eleanor – give me a scale of how many times you’ve coughed. 1:1 [one to one].

November was a blur – thank goodness I can look to Facebook for confirmation that it actually happened. Here are our recorded happenings… (What is this? All answers are HERE.)

November 3

10:58 a.m.

The other day, I tried to buy this lamp at Target. I need two but couldn’t find another. Figured I could pick #2 up at another Target or online – so I put it in my cart. At check out I was informed that I couldn’t purchase it because it was the floor model. They checked other stores and found one in Sterling, but nope – that’s also a floor model. None online either. So now there are two lamps I want within driving distance of my home, but I’m not allowed to buy either of them. And the Reston Target floor model continues to mock me every time I am there (pretty much every day). ‪#‎ConsumerWorldProblems‬

7:47 p.m.

“No – you may not use a knife on an M&M.” And other bizarre things I hear myself saying to Oliver. It is time for the Halloween candy to BEGONE!

November 5

8:20 p.m.

The candy entitlement in this house is OUTOFCONTROL. At any moment, I expect to walk into a room and find them freebasing Kit Kats. Mass quantities are going to be disappeared tomorrow when the junkies are at school…and work (I’m looking at you Chris Hood). ‪#‎HalloweenIsOvah‬

November 6

4:36 p.m.

When you drop your child off at an after school activity, and just as you slip into your car and open the windows to enjoy the early evening autumn air, every light in the parking lot illuminates as The Heat of the Moment starts on the radio.

Rock on suburbia.

November 7

5:41 p.m.

One week after Halloween and my dog is still pooping candy wrappers. ‪#‎FunWithKidsAndDogs‬

November 12

4:40 p.m.

I both love and fear George’s self portrait.

November 13

8:29 p.m.

Just caught Oliver trying to put this in his backpack. Guess you never know when you’ll need a homemade water balloon…

10:16 p.m.

Feeling grateful for a boring night at home with children safe in their beds…wearing stuffed animal night caps.

November 14

3:31 p.m.

At George’s soccer game and only registered the sound of a car alarm when he yelled, “Mom! That’s OUR car!” from the field.

Worst sports mom ever.

November 16

9:09 p.m.

We were killing time at Party City earlier and the twins found those antlers people out on their cars. While we don’t have a minivan, I’ve called them “vantlers” since Stephanie Stearns Dulli’s hilarious Listen to Your Mother 2015 performance. And of course the “PLEASEMOMPLEASEPLEASEPLEASE” was deafening. Luckily, we had no time, as we had to dash off to pick up Oliver at his swim lesson. But sure enough – as soon as we all got back into our car…

George: Mom – can we PLEASE get the vantlers?

Me: Oh…you REALLY want the vantlers for Christmas?

Eleanor: YES! Wait..FOR Christmas?

Me: I mean for the Christmas season.

Oliver: We’re having FOUR Christmases??

It’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but we already have the holiday spirit…times four.

November 19

3:18 p.m.

Just found this little package wrapped with homemade holiday paper. Eleanor is getting an early start on her gifts this year… ‪#‎girls‬

November 20

8:25 a.m.

Just reminded Eleanor that it will be time to head out to the a school bus in 10 minutes and she still needs to get dressed and brush her hair.

I know that book fairs are school fundraisers (so no regrets) but sometimes I wonder how I got suckered into spending $500 on Diary of a Wimpy Kid Mad Libs.

November 23

11:53 a.m.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the have to’s and didn’t have time to’s today… I’m going to take a moment to just feel thankful for…

My husband, who actually likes cooking and doesn’t expect me to produce an entire Thanksgiving meal by myself while he drinks beer and watches football. He even bakes bread!

My daughter, who wants to help me clean when everyone else disappears. She is everything I wished I was when I was her age, and she doesn’t (usually) sweat the small stuff. On Saturday, Eleanor was in a play and told me later that she forgot one of her lines, “but it was okay” – and it was. No one noticed. At her age – hell, at MY age – this would have plagued me for years (“why, why, WHY did I forget that line???”). She hasn’t mentioned it since. I’m taking note and trying to let the disappointments and failures (big and small) go.

My oldest son, who also likes to help sometimes. Particularly when it comes to cooking. He got up at the crack of dawn (which admittedly, he would have done anyway) and helped Chris bake bread. Then, while I was making an onion and cheese casserole, he stood next to me making screaming noises as I sliced the onions. Then he helped me grate the cheese. And made more screaming noises. His imagination is beyond anything I’ve ever seen. After Eleanor’s play about fairy tale characters, I asked if he thought she was a good “Dopey.” He said, “yes! And I was the evil king in the audience.” Yes you were, Oliver. I need to leave the sidelines and put myself in the story more often – thank you for the reminder.

My youngest son, who throws himself wholeheartedly into EVERYTHING. The other weekend, he was in a soccer tournament, and the coach gave them a pep talk before the first game. He said, “I want you all to remember that you are the best – it doesn’t matter if you start or not – I’m not putting the best players in first, because you are ALL the best. Now do you understand what I just said to you?” George answered, “yes – you said I’m the best.” This is hilarious – but that attitude takes him so far… When he started soccer last spring, he and Chris (who is an assistant coach) were talking about who their best players were. George listed the four he thought were at the top of the list – himself included of course. I looked at Chris and he discreetly shook his head, no. But two seasons in, he worked hard and made it to the all stars tournament. He reminds me that I need to just think I’m the best more often – because that’s the only way it’s ever going to happen.

October was a pretty big month for us – started with a road trip to Rhode Island for a wedding and ended with Halloween. Here is this, that, and everything in between. (What is this? All answers are HERE.)

October 2

7:18 p.m.

Leaving town with the kids for a road trip. Five minutes in, the subject of bucket lists comes up and I have to explain what they are…

George: Oh yeah – I have one of those. But I pretty much completed it.

Me: You did?

George: Except for one thing.

Me: What’s that?

George: Getting an iPad.

Oliver: And I want a big bag of Cheetos.

George: OH! And can I add going to Orlando? There is a Harry Potter roller coaster there that’s the best roller coaster in the world. Orlando: Home of the Best Roller Coasters.

We are simple folk with simple dreams…

October 3

10:14 p.m.

Settling in at our hotel after a rehearsal dinner (just the kids and me in RI this weekend)…

Me: That was a pretty long day.

Eleanor: Yeah – but it was fun.

Me: We all make a pretty good team, huh?

Eleanor: Eh.

Me: You don’t think so?

Eleanor: Oh Mom…you make it all happen.

Well Eleanor – that’s because I’m…

October 4

7:42 a.m.

George: Mom. You know, when I was sleeping? I think I got a glimpse of the future…

Was running low on gas and when I looked to see what exit was coming up, it was New Rochelle and Pelham. So obviously…10 minutes later…

Where I lived in Pelham from age 2 to 8 (edited to mute the hideous blue/green color – used to be so much prettier!)

Our old pizza place around the corner from the Pelham house.

October 6

2:05 p.m.

Then and now (my old Pelham house). Sorry – feeling nostalgic.

October 10

1:43 p.m.

Dear whomever invented these festive 3-D foam crafts: there is a very special corner made of flimsy foam that collapses every five seconds reserved for you in HELL.

October 12

5:35 p.m.

I think I’m finally mastering emojis. It now takes me no more than 3 minutes to find one that applies to what I want to say. 😀 If you do not understand emojis – that one means “happy”. I think. Yay emojis!

October 14

10:37 p.m.

If you are not watching American Horror Story – Hotel, you should know that “skinny jeans are out, fringe is in and ponchos are forever.” New season is pretty good so far…

October 15

6:26 p.m.

George is doing a geography homework sheet on hemispheres…

George: Mom! Some people in my class aren’t going to be able to do this worksheet. It’s going to be too hard for them. Even their parents won’t be able to figure it out!

Me: Why?

George: Because they celebrate Hanukkah and other stuff and they don’t know about the North Pole!

Eleanor: Everyone knows about the North Pole George.

George: NO. Not everyone celebrates the same religions!

I tried to explain that just because Santa lives at the North Pole, it doesn’t mean that other people in the world who don’t celebrate Christmas wouldn’t know where it is. He’s still not buying it.

I just realized that the twins turned nine on October 9th and I said NOTHING about it on Facebook. That’s like the social media equivalent of disowning them, right? I’d post a picture from the day, but I DIDN’T TAKE ANY. Worst mom ever. Also guilty, so a belated happy birthday to my babies! I couldn’t adore them more.

October 19

11:30 a.m.

“Mom. This is my tactic for buying a house: not too good, because then you won’t have enough money. But not too bad, because then you won’t have a happy life.”

My Alex sent me this cropped image and begged (yes – actually begged) me to make it my profile. First I said, “hahaha. no.” But since I look like Tom Cruise from Risky Business, I’m going to take his friend, Booger’s advice (okay – that guy was Booger in Revenge of the Nerds – can’t remember his name in Risky Business) and say “What the F…”

The resemblance is eerie…

7:07 p.m.

Waiting his turn for the barber. Oliver has “Lego hair” and tomorrow is picture day!

October 22

9:03 a.m.

It must be really annoying to be named Stan. People would always be saying “what’s the plan Stan?” to you. Feeling grateful to be named Kate. ‪#‎blessed‬

7:04 p.m.

George is on my computer doing school stuff for fun! Chris looks over his shoulder and says, “cool map!” George says, “yeah – I’m working on a project with my friends.” Chris asks, “really? What about?” George says, “horrible disasters in the world.” Should I assume this is the precursor to his “goth phase”? Also – how talented is he, multi-tasking with that ice cream cone??

October 23

11:12 a.m.

Just looked at my phone, and realized that I’ve been wandering the aisles at Target for over an hour. Clearly, I have experienced lost time. What aliens put all of this crap in my cart??

October 24

1:36 p.m.

Me: Oliver – what are you doing?

Oliver: Oh – just talking to the chocolate.

Obviously.

October 27

8:59 p.m.

So cold that I’m wearing my matching fleece pajama bottoms and robe. I call it my winter tuxedo. Never goes out of style.

October 30

4:57 p.m.

At the advanced age of 43, I just carved my first pumpkin! Felt this level of smugness called for an Instagram post. ‪#‎instabrag‬

October 31

9:58 a.m.

Me: Oliver – what are you doing?

Oliver: I’m teaching my class. [see candy lined up on the left]

Never a dull moment, shopping with that one…

4:57 p.m.

Day of The Dead sugar skull twins have started to put on their faces. Countdown to candy time!

8:25 p.m.

Now that trick or treating is over, I have time to post a few pictures! First Oliver – who doesn’t look anything like himself with vampire makeup and fangs. Also – he’s a ridiculous ham.

8:27 p.m.

George allowed me to drag him outside for a quick photo. Didn’t realize about the socks until after the fact. Pictures where you can’t see kids’ faces are always kind of weird.

8:29 p.m.

Eleanor gets a gallery because the makeup Alex did was AMAZING. Love my Sugar Skill Twins!

8:31 p.m.

And as usual – a group photo fail. But I’m posting it anyway. Goodnight Halloween!

Running a little late on this…but I actually wrote something and posted it last week (that WASN’T a “They Coulda’ Been Great”)! Wanted to bask in the glory of that for a few days. Because making fun of people on Craig’s List is pretty glorious, no? Anyway – back to Facebook silliness in September… (What is this? All answers are HERE.)

“You GUYS! It’s time to GO! Oliver – get that toilet paper off your head!”

-things I yell into the men’s restroom

5:10 p.m.

In case you were wondering? Eleanor is a girl.

September 4

8:54 p.m.

At the Friday Hood/Gould play date/happy (many) hour(s) and Adrian Gould is trying to explain binary code to Alex Tudor. I’m doing work on my computer and only marginally paying attention (because binary code) but heard something that sounded like a “yes! that’s exactly what I’m saying!” breakthrough in understanding. So of course I exclaimed, “by George, I think she’s got it!” and then started singing, “the rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain!” And nobody thought it was funny. I hope you are kicking ass at your rehearsal Diane Cooper-Gould…because you are missed…very missed…

September 7

5:45 p.m.

Waiting to see Diane Cooper-Gould in a play at the Kennedy Center Page to Stage festival and got a quick (and characteristic – weird – photo op) as she made a pre-show trip to the ladies. Can’t wait to see this talented lady PERFORM.

September 8

11:01 a.m.

It’s official. My kids HATE taking first day of school pictures. And yes – you are right – George looks insane in that last shot. It’s his new “picture face.” I actually had to tell him he looked like a future serial killer to get him to stop for a few.

11:16 a.m.

Thought I was taking a “test” shot with my seems-to-be-dying camera, and it turned out to be the best one I got of Oliver this morning. You’d never know it from this picture, but THIS kid can’t WAIT to go back to school. He looks like he should be heading to middle school – not 4th grade… But don’t tell him that. He’s “still little.”

11:19 a.m.

This kid chose to wait for the bus in a tree. Only took four tries to get a non-serial killer smile for mom. Ready for 3rd grade!

11:24 a.m.

No solo pictures of Eleanor this morning. She was too busy checking in with her nervous younger friends – assuring them that it will be a GREAT day. Especially this little lady who is starting kindergarten today! Honorary little sister agreed to pose for a picture with my 3rd grade girl. Undoubtedly, Mary Catherine will OWN that kindergarten classroom by the end of the day.

September 10

7:44 a.m.

Me: George – here are some clothes. And take OFF those socks. I know they’re yesterday’s socks.

George: They’re not yesterday’s socks! They’re from a long time ago.

Even better.

8:19 p.m.

George just came over to ask me for some water. I am sitting at the dining room table doing work on my computer. Chris is in the kitchen cooking.

When I suggested that he go ask his father who is standing directly in front of the kitchen sink, George replied, sotto voce, “but he’s working.” Please make note that my husband is not a chef and I do not do part time admin work for a law firm as a fun hobby.

ANYWAY. I had the exact same conversation with Eleanor two nights ago. Though her response was, “but he’s busy.”

I could be up to my elbows in homemade pasta dough and my children wouldn’t hesitate to ask me for a glass of water. In fact, I don’t think I have EVER been in the kitchen when they DIDN’T ask me for water.

“Mom! You know my friend – his real name is John – but he likes to be called Jack…”

This how George refers to that particular friend: “my friend – his real name is John – but he likes to be called Jack.” Every single time. Even if he “refers” to John/Jack five times in two minutes. George has some serious talking stamina when it comes to discussing John/Jack.

September 20

10:57 a.m.

Eleanor: Mom, which do you like better – the old movie Annie or the new one?

Hard to believe summer is over… “But it is!” I shout joyously as I wave goodbye to that sparkling, golden school bus. Seriously though – I do kind of miss those little rascals. Here is what we did in August. (What is this? All answers are HERE.)

August 2

10:02 a.m.

What? You DON’T wear a jaunty eye patch to the grocery store? ‪#‎ArrrMatey‬

1:33 p.m.

Show is about to start!

1:37 p.m.

Obligatory selfie with Diane and Mickie! Time to turn off the phone and put on my glasses… ‪#‎BookofMormon‬

August 4

2:35 p.m.

Me: George! You can’t always be the victim!

George: I’m NOT being the victim! Oliver’s MAKING me the victim!

I think he just broke my brain.

8:32 p.m.

I don’t know if I’ve ever mentioned this here – but I’m not overly fond of being touched. Not much of a hugger… Please don’t play with my hair… Your “getting a massage” is my “getting manhandled.” Apparently Oliver takes after me. Chris (who loves being manhandled) just asked him if he’d like a back scratch. Oliver gave him a wary look, scooted a few inches away and said, “I have no itch.” Exactly Oliver! I have no itch. Ever. There is a reason why I feel so comfortable socializing online… ‪#‎MaintainthePerimeter‬

August 5

1:15 p.m.

George (about the cover of the Chasing Fireflies catalog): Those are the creepiest dolls I’ve ever seen!

Eleanor: they’re real people.

George: Well they’re really creepy as dolls.

August 6

10:37 a.m.

In the doctor’s waiting room (after the nurse handed the kids paper gowns to bring in when the exam room is ready)…

Eleanor: Why do we have to wear a paper gown at our check up?

Oliver: I don’t want to wear this. Can I keep my shirt on under this?

Me: (to Oliver) No. (to Eleanor) it’s for your personal comfort, so you don’t have to sit around naked.

George: I like like being naked!

Eleanor: Yeah – and I don’t wear pajamas to bed.

George: I sit in the window naked every morning.

Now Eleanor is practicing the splits, George is shredding the paper gown he’s holding and Oliver is trying to flag down everyone who passes to ask if he can keep his shirt on.

‪#‎travelingcircus

August 7

3:29 p.m.

“All I’m saying is that I don’t want to see ANY body parts in the drain pipe!”‪

#‎GreatExpectations‬

August 8

1:39 p.m.

Kids and I are on our way to Oregon to visit my parents. Made it to our gate at Dulles with just enough time to buy some water bottles. Flight to Denver was bad. A lot of turbulence. At one point George thought we were going down. Other passengers were made aware of his distress. Arrived in Denver for a 40 minute layover. Just enough time to procure more water bottles and candy (because okayfineyoucanhaveit) AND with 15 minutes before boarding I figured we had JUUUSSST enough time to drop by the wine bar for MY nerve calming treat. During that time, my three kids got turned away from the bar (their first choice seats while I was selecting my glass of St. Francis Cabernet – did I mention that I’m a nervous flyer?) and were directed to the “restaurant” seating five inches from the bar; George announced our home address to everyone there when the bartender asked us “where we’re from in VA”; I took a phone call from Chris who is SUPER bummed to be left behind for a week; two women came over to tell me how great they think it is that I dragged three children into a wine bar at 11:30 am (said I looked like I needed it); and I was able drink a lovely glass of red and reflect upon my questionable parenting choices. When I saw that boarding had been in full swing for close to 10 minutes, I signed the check and hustled my group to the gate…where they appeared to be closing the doors. WHAT?! Upon our hasty arrival, I was informed the they close the gate “10 minutes before departure” (HELLO! It was way more than 10 min before departure but I don’t argue when positioned in front of a half closed door…). Apparently we were lucky that “the pilot had to use the bathroom.” (Chalking this up to small planes….) When we finally arrived at our seats (which had changed due to our tardiness) and sat down, agreeing that we were pretty lucky to have made it, George admonished me in his best public speaking voice, “yeah Mom! You shouldn’t have stopped for wine!”

#‎motheroftheyear‬

4:29 p.m.

We arrived in Medford! Got our checked bag (after standing directly in front of where they come out so George could say “no…no…no…” as each suitcase that wasn’t ours emerged), met Grandpa and are on our way to Klamath Falls! Ten minutes in, Eleanor gasps, “where’s my backpack!?” Aaaaand back to baggage claim….

August 9

12:51 p.m.

Our sweet ride for a tour of the Running Y. Kids had never been on a convertible before!

August 11

3:34 p.m.

George: Hey Mom – I I have a really good idea.

Me: What’s that?

George: Well. If you give me your phone, I can take it into the boys’ bathroom and take pictures so you can see what it looks like.

Me: Why would I want to see the boys’ bathroom?

George: Oh – you know. So you can see what a urinal looks like.

Eleanor: We’ve already seen a urinal before.

George: Well you could see what some other ones look like, and all the other stuff in the boys’ bathroom. So Mom – do you want me to do that?

Me: You know – that’s a good plan, but the truth is, I’ve never been all that curious about the boys’ bathroom.

Eleanor: I have.

One more reason to say no when Eleanor asks for a cell phone…

9:30 p.m.

Big day.

Sleepy boys

Got my passed out roomie into bed.

August 12

12:24 p.m.

August 13

10:13 a.m.

If this isn’t the definition of “Grandpa of the Year” then I don’t know what is. ‪#‎ButI’mStillLittle‬

3:46 p.m.

That moment when you realize that the “potentially decent” radio station you found is Christian rock.

August 14

4:40 p.m.

When the Klondike bar becomes a handful of ice cream. ‪#‎August‬

August 15

10:19 p.m.

Portrait of three children who have been waiting in baggage claim for over 30 minutes. ‪#‎WhereIsOurSuitcase‬

August 19

10:42 a.m.

Me to five year old neighbor I’m babysitting: Hey – for our morning walk, we could take bikes and scooters up to Dunkin’ Donuts as a special treat. What do you think?

“So Mom. There are three different kinds of smoking that can kill you: cigarettes, cigars and smokeweed.”

-George Hood, age 8

(And yes – I made him repeat this several times to make sure I heard him right.)

‪#‎themoreyouknow‬

8:15 p.m.

Chris: So you guys – want to hear something cool? The U.S. and Japan are building robots that are going to fight each other.

Eleanor: Then what?

Chris: Then one of them will win.

Eleanor: Then what?

Chris: Then we’ll know which robot is better!

George: And we’ll win millions of dollars!

Chris: No – no one wins money.

George: Then what do they win?

Chris: Bragging rights!

Eleanor: It would be better to win money…

George: No… It would be better to BE THE ROBOT.

Clearly the these children take after their mother. Except for that being the robot part.

August 24

6:27 p.m.

Just hustled everyone into the car to race to swim class. And I think I actually SAID, “wow – looks like it’s about to pour.” Five minutes into a drive under ominous looking clouds…

Oliver: Mom – did you bring an umbrella?

Me: No. That would have been a good idea, wouldn’t it?

Another item to file under “things my children put up with.” Seriously – they’re lucky I finally stopped forgetting to bring towels (or – on that one humiliating occasion – bathing suits).

August 25

7:31 p.m.

My Alex just got back from her first day, interning at MtoM Consulting and she looks so cute and happy! I told her she should have thrown that hat in the air when she got outside. Obviously, she had no idea what I’m talking about. ‪#‎WellItsYouGirlAndYouShouldKnowIt‬‪#‎YoureGonnaMakeItAfterAll‬

For any of my friends under over 35 who didn’t own a TV growing up…

August 26

10:02 a.m.

Words I may need to ban from my 8-10 year olds’ conversations…

1. Actually: As in “ACTUALLY, Mom [insert contradiction of something I just said here].

2. Always: As in “but she ALWAYS [insert something he just did to her, prompting a reprimand from me].

3. Never: As in “but he NEVER [insert something that she failed to do, prompting a reprimand from me].

4. Fair: As in “it’s NOT FAIR.” [see #2-3 above]

5. Bored: As in, “I’m BORED.” [because, ACTUALLY, going to the pool, riding bikes outside, seeing plays, traveling to the west coast TWICE in the past two months and hanging out with neighborhood friends 24/7 isn’t any fun at all.]

Has it already been a month? Time for another “They Coulda’ Been Great”! (What is this? All answers are HERE.)

July 3

12:30 p.m.

Eleanor in the ladies bathroom at the Air and Space Museum: “25 cents for a napkin?!” ‪#‎ripoff‬

July 4

1:47 p.m.

Belated #TBT: California trip 2010 – That July, I put the white in “Red, White and Blue” (t-shirt purchased by my MIL to match hers and my SIL’s for our black-t-shirts-and-jeans family picture).

6:10 p.m.

There are two types of people in the world. Those who will make the attempt to load a dishwasher in a moderately reasonable fashion…and my husband. And don’t you DARE say “at least he tried” because COME ON.

July 5

1:07 p.m.

WITH cotton candy, no less. If I hear “I’m bored” later today…

2:37 p.m.

The fact that I’m actually IN this picture makes up for the woman who took it for us having no concept of composition. #CouldHaveBackedUpALittle

3:33 p.m.

“He doesn’t want to grow up. Just like me.”
-Oliver Hood, age 10, on Peter Pan

“But grown ups have fun too, don’t they?”
-George Hood, age 8, who also thinks that, “to live would be an awfully big adventure.”

“I want to be in that show.”
-Eleanor Hood, age 8, whom I believe may do just that someday…

July 6

6:40 p.m.

George: Mom! Do you have your phone with you?

Me: Yes – why do you ask?

George: Well you may get a call – maybe today but probably tomorrow. But if you mysteriously hear from a stranger, it’s my new friend Gavin. We really want to have a play date. There’s two others but I don’t remember their names. One was really confusing.

First day of camp. Soon enough, everyone there will have access to my cell phone number…

July 10

11:25 a.m.

Get ready for 13 separate video posts from me… I do this every year because I’m always SO proud of our DC cast and their brave storytelling!

[click image for the list of show cities with video links]

[and I actually am including all 13 posts with video links below because WHY NOT?]

1:59 p.m.

Here we go! Video #1 of 13 from LTYM DC! Ashley Allen tells a story about growing up in a fanatical religious community where the devil was an ever present threat…and then taking a different approach to battling “evil” with her own children. This lady needs to write a memoir…

2:16 p.m.

LTYM DC video #2 (of 13)! Joan Hamilton tells a story about hearing your child’s truth and then giving them the support they need to fully embrace it.

2:19 p.m.

In LTYM DC video #3 (of 13) Lindsay Reed Maines talks about how having great adoptive parents and a happy childhood doesn’t necessarily mean that a child won’t grow up with questions and doubts about her birth mother. A heartwarming story about one woman’s search for closure and connection.

2:21 p.m.

#4 (of 13) in our LTYM DC lineup… Jennifer Oradat tells the story of her roller coaster ride of a pregnancy, and her quiet coming to terms with an unanticipated family dynamic.

2:24 p.m.

LTYM DC video #5 (of 13) features Shunnell T. Lewis. Things get pretty crazy at the FAA when she starts having contractions long before her due date and has to be rushed to the ER… (spoiler alert: expect to laugh out loud!)

2:28 p.m.

Tricia Mirchandani is featured in our 6th LTYM DC video (of 13) this year. Sometimes the intense nature of early intervention can be so all consuming for a family that there isn’t room to just be. This is her touching story about letting go for a day and just being in the moment.

2:32 p.m.

In LTYM DC video #7 (of 13), Susan Fuller tells a unique story about how she fought for the natural birth experience she both wanted and – more importantly – needed. We can honestly say that you have probably never heard this particular birth story before…

2:37 p.m.

Not every nuclear family includes a mom. In LTYM DC video #8 (of 13), Brent Almond (one of two dads) reflects on the story of his son’s adoption and the woman who gave birth to him.

2:41 p.m.

Over halfway through the LTYM DC video posts! I keep saying “of 13” because I really don’t want you to miss any of them. So here is #9 OF THIRTEEN: the one and only Stephanie Stearns Dulli who both directs the show and has a tendency to steal it… She tells her story of going from carefree actress to suburban mom. This “LA Girl” comes to terms with trading one sweet ride for a new one.

2:45 p.m.

In LTYM DC video #10 (of 13), Sonya Spillmann struggles with the memory of knowing that her mother was dying when no once else did. A beautiful story of healing through memory and forgiveness.

2:48 p.m.

Video #11 of 13! In this LTYM DC reading, Caron Garcia Martinez tells a story about family and the Latin culture, in which food is used to express love. Mother to daughter – daughter to sons – recipes are passed down and new ones are passed back through joy and grief – but always with love.

2:52 p.m.

In LTYM DC video #12 (of 13), Ashley Fuchs tells a hilarious (and I’m not kidding – you may need some tissues for the laughter-tears) story about starting a long anticipated family vacation with…LICE.

2:56 p.m.

Almost done! #13 (OF THIRTEEN LTYM DC videos) is ME. I tell a story about the women who raised me and taught me the secret of “how” in “I don’t know how you do it…”

5:13 p.m.

In the car…

George: Eleanor – who’s the oldest person you know?

Eleanor: Mom.

Me: What?!

George: For me it’s Old Bob.

Eleanor: Who’s Old Bob?

Me: He means the guy at the end of the street. Eleanor! He asked who the OLDEST person you know is. Don’t you know people older than me?!

George: Yeah! Like Old Bob.

I guess we’ve established my neighborhood peer group…

July 16

7:43 p.m.

George: Mom, remember when I said that night was longer than day?

Me: No – when did you say that?

George: A long time ago – maybe when I was five. But I was WRONG. And you told me I was right. Why would you do that?

Me: I don’t know… I guess the way you said was really cute so I just said “DARN TOOTIN’ night is longer than day!”

I’m starting to think that this kind of thing, along with all of the empty threats and statements like, “I’m sorry honey – they didn’t have any Cheetos at the grocery store,” may be giving my kids some serious trust issues…

July 17

2:02 a.m.

My (8yo) baby girl (who’s currently in my bed because our neighbors are fun and their backyard party was keeping her up) is leaving tomorrow for her first vacation away from us. Almost 35 years ago I was doing the same thing with my Madeline at her family’s beach house. As much as I will miss my girl, I can’t wait to see pictures of her at Rehoboth Beach – diving into waves, running around the boardwalk and going on rides at Fun Land. Wish I fit in her duffle bag… ‪#‎stowaway‬

July 19

11:10 p.m.

Last night at bedtime…

Oliver: I miss Eleanor.

George: The bathroom smells funny.

So I think we’ve established who the sentimental one is… Also I spent yesterday cleaning so George thinks his bad-aim-pee smells better my Method cleaning products. #boys

July 21

5:23 p.m.

GOODGOD George talksandtalksandtalksandtalks. It’s like a never-ending brain storming session.

July 25

5:10 p.m.

Coming home from the pool – UB40 on the radio…

Eleanor: Why are they singing about “red red wine”?

George: The song is about wine??

Me: Kind of…it’s what he’s drinking “to forget.”

George: I thought brewskis were for that.

So now he know he has options.

July 26

2:03 p.m.

Oliver waiting to see OLIVER! The Musical. Thank goodness we have assigned seats. We only had to rearrange ourselves four times. ‪#‎ICan‬’tSee!

8:53 p.m.

Earlier in the car (where the [conversation] magic happens):

Eleanor: You know Cathy has a magazine at her house that says “Kate and George” on it.

Me: OH – that’s Kate Middleton. She married the next Prince of Wales and George is her baby. Since her husband will be King of England someday, she’s like a celebrity.

George: Wait! There’s a Prince of Wales?

Me: Yes.

George: A Prince of WALES??

Me: Yes – why?

George: So he can talk to WHALES??

Guess I should have clarified what Wales is… Probably would have been easier to just go with “someday King of England,” as I barely understand all those titles anyway.

July 27

7:42 p.m.

Me to Diane: Lucy has gotten taller!

Lucy: Look at how much taller I am than George.

Me: Even taller than before.

George: Yeah – that happens a lot!

‪#‎TinyBoyWorldProblems‬

July 30

5:14 p.m.

Eleanor’s inability to locate a flip flop two feet away from her simply because it’s under a backpack someone tossed on the floor leads me to believe that we can strike “detective” from her list of future career prospects…

Told the kids that I’ll be gone all day for my show (Listen to Your Mother DC) and Oliver keeps referring to it as my “Magic Act.” I think he understands this producer job more than anyone else… #‎LTYM‬

May 4

8:23 p.m.

Motherhood is checking and re-checking the crispness of crinkle cut fries in the oven so they don’t come out too “potato-y”

May 7

5:12 p.m.

Eleanor is trying to show me dance moves she learned at school, and the dog is losing her mind. Alice cannot abide dancing. There will be no “walk it out like granny” on her watch… It’s like freaking Footloose around here.

May 11

5:00 p.m.

Doing homework with a 6 year old…

Me: Okay – #1. What is a word that starts with the sound /sh/?

6yo: Can it be a curse word?

Only in my head, buddy…

May 12

6:38 p.m.

George: I’m more of an indoor person than an outdoor person.

First of all – that’s not even true, let alone healthy for an eight year old. And second of all…what are we, CATS?

*I should note that he was distracted – looking for one of his shoes at the time. But still – manners, please!

6:45 p.m.

The responsible picky eater remembers to wear safety glasses for dismantling a piece of bread.

May 14

1:42 p.m.

Earlier this morning, Eleanor asked why there are never any female composers featured on Little Einsteins (disclaimer on her behalf: she does NOT actually like Little Einsteins – it just happened to be on TV). I explained that it was rare for women from Mozart’s time to be given the the same opportunities as men, and that they were generally expected to stay home and look after their families. Her expression was solemn and disapproving, so I continued that things are very different for women now.

Eleanor: Yeah. I mean you get to do all kinds of great things now.

Me: [thinking – yes! I used to work full time and I now produce an annual stage show…] You think so?

Eleanor: Oh sure – you can take us all kinds of places. Well…maybe just on the weekends…except for when you took me to get my ears pierced. That was during the week and THAT was awesome.

Me: ….true.

Then about twenty minutes later she comes over to me flipping her hair around and says, “hey Mom – I think this is the best high ponytail you’ve ever given me”

Ooooh – a personal best! She really needs to stop before my head gets too big. If there is anyone in this world who can keep me humble (albeit unwittingly) it’s my daughter.

May 15

6:50 p.m.

“Sorry I peed on your shoe.”

Filed under things my boys have said to me in the bathroom.

May 16

6:16 p.m.

Since this won’t last long…I’ll just enjoy it. At any rate, it takes my mind off the 1,387 Angry Birds stickers I’ll eventually have to scrape off the door.

May 19

6:43 p.m.

“No taping people into boxes.” … Just added to the ever growing list of Hood family rules.

8:02 p.m.

Our neighbors just adopted the cutest kitten on the planet. So of course…

Eleanor: Mom, can we get a kitten?

Me: No. Only one full sized animal at a time in this house [circumventing the inevitable “BUT” by allowing for the wretched hermit crabs that continue to live despite a high degree of unintentional neglect].

Eleanor: What about when Alice [who is only three] dies?

Me: Eleanor! That’s terrible! And besides – you guys might not even be living here anymore when Alice dies.

Eleanor: What?! Don’t dogs live for 20 years?

My daughter is eight…

May 20

6:56 p.m.

“Mom! Don’t throw them away!”

Oliver’s loyalty to inanimate objects is OUTOFCONTROL. We have this conversation about every pair of shoes he destroys. He never wants to throw anything away. I’m STILL hearing about the old black truck and giant 80’s TV we got rid of last year. #FutureHoarder #NoManLeftBehind ‪

May 21

8:32 a.m.

You know when your child comes home from school with a little Dixie cup filled with dirt and a tiny sprig of green, and begs to plant it in the yard (and in our case, there is only a FRONT yard)? Well – meet our new GINORMOUS ornamental cabbage plant. #We‬‘reAllAbouttheCurbAppeal #Don’tMindtheWeeds

5:43 p.m.

Sometimes I think that growing older is a gift. And sometimes I look in a mirror and wish I had a gift receipt because this age does NOT fit!

10:29 p.m.

Chris just referred to Matt Dillon as “that Rumble Fish guy.” I don’t even know what to do with that.

May 22

11:37 a.m.

Great Moments In Parenting!

That time I stepped on something sharp and realized it was a tooth I had stuck in my back pocket the night before, while playing tooth fairy. The best part? I actually stuck TWO teeth in my back pocket so tooth #2 is still at large.

And no – I don’t immediately transfer teeth to plastic bags carefully labeled with my children’s names. Because I just can’t bring myself to own “bags of teeth.” Aside from the fact that I forget that I put them in pockets, of course…

May 23

1:50 p.m.

Oliver: That sounds like music to my ears Mom.

Me: What sounds like music?

Oliver: The music.

Me: Where is the music?

Oliver: On the radio.

Me: Where is the radio?

Oliver: In my brain.

Duh!

May 24

8:35 a.m.

Eleanor just picked up my 21-Day Fix DVD and as she was looking at it, Chris joked, “that’s what Mom is going to look like in 21 days.”

Me: No – Eleanor and I have already discussed the fact that people who look like that exercise for a living. I’m not not making exercise my job – I just want to feel healthy and strong. Expecting to look like that after 21 days would be an unrealistic expectation for me.

Eleanor: Yeah – and at your age…

I love her.

May 27

8:48 a.m.

Oliver is suddenly very anxious about summer (transitions are hard for him – but this is unusual…) I asked him why he was suddenly so worried about summer. His response: “Because I don’t like the season of the summer.”

While I’m endlessly charmed by his ESL-esque patois, I’m also keenly reminded of something his first special needs preschool teacher said to me: “sometimes it’s hard to be Oliver.” This kind of applies to everyone, right?

To Do List:
*Be more patient with Oliver. Sometimes it’s hard to be him.
*Be more patient with everyone else. Sometimes it’s hard to be them.
*Be more patient with myself. Sometimes it’s hard to be me.

8:48 p.m.

While standing at the mirror, brushing teeth…

George: Mom – want to see my nose hair?

Me: I don’t see any.

George: No – look. See it in there?

Me: Oh – way back in there…I see it. But I wouldn’t have if you didn’t point it out. I don’t think children have visible nose hair.

George: I can see yours really well.

Good to know.

May 28

4:57 p.m.

Warning: when you ask your very large 10 year old for a “big hug,” you may be body slammed and crushed within an inch of your life. #lovehurts

May 29

5:01 p.m.

On the way to the pool…

Me: IN GENERAL keep arms and legs…and hands and feet…and heads IN the car!

George: What about butts?

May 30

2:09 p.m.

Standing in line at Dairy Queen with Oliver, it occurs to me that he’s still wearing the shirt he had on yesterday. It’s 2:00 pm. Even better? What tipped me off was the dried Cheeto crumbs stuck to his sleeve. #raisedbywolves

June 1

9:55 a.m.

Chris and Oliver made bread yesterday. Oliver felt it prudent to wear protective head gear. #SafetyFirst

6:21 p.m.

Over the weekend, a friend invited George to come with his family to the father’s work event on a lake. They kayaked and canoed and George had the time of his life. In fact, my son had SUCH good time that he just invited all of us to come with him next year.

So when the kids got up at the crack of dawn this morning, I noticed that Oliver was wearing the same orange shirt and tan shorts he had on yesterday. I put a a clean outfit on a chair and told him that he needed to change. Two hours of breakfast serving, lunch packing, homework finishing, trash removing, teeth brushing, justalittlebitofworkonthecomputer sneaking, kitchen cleaning, bed making, schoolbus rushing and dog walking later…I walk into the house and notice this. Good job mom! The tone of the day has officially been set. “But I tried” is truly the theme of my life.

June 10

8:24 a.m.

Chasing the recycling truck with two bags of glass bottles counts as exercise for the day, right?

June 16

6:43 p.m.

George just got a haircut that seems to have involved A LOT of gel. Fingers crossed that it looks like what I asked for when un-sculpted… Here is a picture of him holding up his “hair sample.” What? Doesn’t everyone request hair sample keepsakes?

June 20

12:52 p.m.

Heading to the beach for the afternoon with Chris, the kids and my in laws. Made sure to pack my book. Because it’s a nice fantasy…

June 24

10:07 a.m.

In the car…

George: Look – another “port-ee-potty”!

Eleanor: It’s “port-AH-potty.”

George: Don’t correct me Eleanor – it’s cute!

Eleanor: It’s CUTE??

George: Yeah – that’s what mom always says.

Damn straight G.

June 28

4:20 p.m.

And I thought I wasn’t a boat person…

5:09 p.m.

When I give no fucks about my wrinkles in pictures.

*****

Those last two pictures were taken in San Diego. I didn’t want to post about being “in California” while our house was empty for 10 days…so no fun vacation pictures on Facebook. But don’t worry – we have about 5,000 of them for our own personal enjoyment. And thanks to selfies – I am in approximately four.

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Kate Coveny Hood

Hi! I'm Kate, a mother of three who wages a daily battle against wrinkles, dust, a lack of personal time and the constant arrows that having a special needs child shoots directly into one’s heart. I first hit publish on The Big Piece of Cake in 2008 when I planned to write "a humor blog." Since then I've lost any semblance of focus. Sometimes I say interesting things...and sometimes I just say things. Visit me here for varying levels of insight and over sharing.